Mumbai Air Quality Index Worsens: BMC Unveils New Guidelines To Tackle Pollution; Check Inside

Amid growing concerns over Mumbai's worsening air quality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released a new set of guidelines aimed at tackling air pollution, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The measures, announced on Monday, build upon the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP) and focus on immediate, stringent actions to improve the city's air quality.

Key guidelines include the deployment of mechanical sweeping machines to clean dust from all roads in Mumbai. Water sprinklers must also be installed at construction sites and high-traffic zones to help contain airborne pollution. To ensure compliance, engineers working in the BMC's Solid Waste Management (SWM) department will maintain daily records and submit weekly reports detailing inspections, punitive actions, and improvements.

Another significant change involves the transport of construction debris. Vehicles must now carry debris with proper covering and valid permits. In addition, the ban on burning waste throughout the city remains firmly in place.

Mumbai Air Quality Index

Currently, Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) is at 153, which falls under the "Poor" category, according to data from aqi.in. The AQI measures air quality on a scale of 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating worse pollution.

In addition to the overall AQI, particulate matter levels are concerning, with PM2.5 at 70 µg/m³ and PM10 at 168 µg/m³. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels stand at 521 ppb, while sulfur dioxide (SO2) is at 6 ppb, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 17 ppb, and ozone (O3) at 11 ppb.

Mumbai's AQI is 1.11 times higher than the state average in Maharashtra, a reminder of the urgent need for action. With these new guidelines, the BMC aims to reduce pollution levels and protect the health of Mumbai's residents.